Line closed for three weeks after HGV strikes bridge

The line between Leicester and Peterborough remained closed as this issue of RAIL went to press, after a heavy goods vehicle collided with a bridge near Ketton (Rutland).

Network Rail said it would take approximately three weeks to repair the bridge, which crosses the A6121 Stamford Road at North Luffenham, after it was struck by a lorry transporting containers to a Rutland County Council waste and recycling centre at 0740 on November 5.

Engineers were having to replace two structural beams, track and signalling above the 3.9-metre-high bridge, while CrossCountry services between Birmingham New Street and Essex were replaced by road transport.

NR Chairman Sir Peter Hendy CBE added: “We report every one of these incidents to the traffic commissioners, who consider the suitability of the operator and driver to continue to hold vocational licenses. We also claim for damages and delay from the operators.”